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Hot Gift for Fall: Appreciated Securities (Stocks and Mutual Funds)

The August 29th issue of the Chronicle of Philanthropy contains an informative pieceby Holly Hall that serves as a useful reminder of the need to mention appreciated securities (both stocks and mutual funds) to our donors.

Hall reminds that we cannot assume our donors -- regardless of how wealthy they may be -- are aware of the benefits of gifting appreciated assets.

Her report includes some figures that help paint the picture:

The percentage of contributions to the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund in the first half of this year via appreciated securities reached 57%

At the same time last year, that number was 43%

The average amount of individual gifts is more than double over a year ago

The Jewish Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco is enjoying a 12% increase in the number of gifted securities over last year

Perfect Questions One and Two

For the rest of this year, unless there is a significant market correction, there are two perfect questions to be asking every donor you meet with.

Will you be selling any appreciated assets in the near future?

Are you aware of the tax advantages that come with making charitable gifts of appreciated stocks or mutual funds?

These two questions are both great ways to take the conversation in a direction that lets you actively help your donors make the smartest gifts they can.

And when your donors are assured that you're interested in helping them do the best thing for themselves, your trust factor and credibility factors increase exponentially.